Biggest challenge: My biggest challenge during this show was having to master the costume changes during the “Show Off” routine. I had to go through three different costumes in the course of one song while dancing and singing at the same time. Luckily, however, the costume designer for the show came up with creative ways to make the changes easier and less stressful!

Favorite part of the show: My favorite part of the show was the “Toledo Surprise” dance scene. The dance was so much fun to perform, and the energy that each cast member put forth during this number was unreal! Ending Act I with such a strong performance gave me such an amazing feeling that propelled me through Act II and that excited me for the next show!

How she feels about the nomination: I am so honored and excited to be nominated for Best Actress this year! This is something that I have been striving to achieve throughout high school, so I can honestly say that it is a dream come true! Also, to be among so many other talented actors and actresses is really a blessing.

Courtney Harris

Age: 17

School: All Saints’ Episcopal School

Part nominated for in musical: The Witch (Into the Woods)

Biggest challenge: If the music by Sondheim wasn’t challenging enough, the character transformation the witch undergoes stretched my acting capabilities. The Witch embodies such intensity in every scene she is in. It required me to use my imagination as well as every ounce of my acting training.

Favorite part of the show: The scene where I am in the house and I could interact with the people around me. I loved to scare unsuspecting audience members. Also, my director gave me the freedom to make the character my own.

How she feels about the nomination: It was humbling to be given this role and then to be nominated for it is completely surreal. I am honored to be included in such an amazing group of talent.

Favorite part of the show: Singing “I am my own best friend”- Roxie’s Pregnant

How does she feel about the nomination: Laura is absolutely tickled pink with the idea of being nominated for something that is too good to be true.

Sarah Roach

Age: 18

School: Grapevine High School

Part nominated for in musical: Velma Kelly in Chicago

Biggest challenge: The biggest challege for me was really delving into the character’s mindset and understanding what her goals and aspirations were.

Favorite part of the show: my favorite part of the show was definitely the jazz music and the dancing. Fosse is one of my favorite styles and I was so excited to be able to give it my all!

How she feels about the nomination: I am absolutely ecstatic. I’ve been working hard all four years of high school to earn a nomination and it finally happened!!

Braden Wilkerson

Age: 18

School: Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts

Part nominated for in musical: Janet Van De Graaf

Biggest challenge: Honestly I would have to say the hardest thing about playing Janet is how close to perfect she is! Of course like anyone else, she actually does have flaws and conflicts of her own, but she still is a character of a play within a play. So a part of her is very unrealistic. For me all of her unrealistic qualities are rooted in real attributes, but I would definitely say that there is some pressure when it comes to playing an untouchable show girl! Not only did I have to learn all of the vocals and the tricks and try to master the over the top moments, but I had to make them appear flawless and effortless.

Favorite part of the show: That is hard because I loved so many parts. I think I would have to say the As We Stumble Along Finale. Not only is it one of the sweetest and most sincere parts of the show, but it was a really special time for the whole cast to share the stage. Specifically speaking, we were paired off by couples so I was standing next to my opposite, Robert Martin (played by Ty Taylor). Ty is one of my very best friends. It was nice to be so close with him in one of the last opportunities that we had to really live in our characters. It was one specific part of the show where the whole cast was all together on stage and I consistently felt like our energies matched and we were all on the same page. There is something really magical about being in such harmony with people for a moment.

How she feels about the nomination: I feel so honored to be nominated! I know that sounds cliche, but I sincerely believe that even being nominated is an honor. I personally know a few of the other girls who are also nominated in my category so I am aware of how talented and hardworking they are. It is flattering to be put in the same category with such special young women.

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About this Blog

News, reviews, nuggets and tidbits from the local arts scene, including literature, theater, classical music, opera, dance and the visual arts.